Many immigration documents require notarization. This helps deter fraud and ensure proper execution. However, it can be difficult to physically appear in front of a notary under social distancing orders. Thankfully, in Florida and many other states, you now have a new option available: online notarization.

Effective January 1, 2020 (before COVID-19), Florida enacted a law authorizing Remote Online Notarization (RON). 

Under this law, notaries can perform online notarizations if they:

• Complete a training course
• Register to perform these kinds of notarizations

Now, in response COVID-19, a new administrative order allows for any Florida notary to administer oaths for the notarization of documents remotely. They can do so using audio-video technology.

The order provides that, for a temporary period, “Notaries in the State of Florida may swear a witness remotely by audio-video communication technology from a location within the State of Florida, provided they can positively identify the witness. If a witness is not located within the State of Florida, a witness may consent to being put on oath via audio-video communication technology.”

How Does Remote Online Notarization Work?

During the remote process, the parties connect over live video to verify the signer’s identity, witness the signature, and affix the notary stamp. Additionally, the notary must note that the signer appeared by means of online notarization. 

In this time of social distancing, exceptions like this one can be incredibly beneficial to your ability to move forward with your case.

Originally published April 29, 2020. Updated January 31, 2023.